870 express shotgun question

[xochi]

I?ve owned the 12 gauge Remington 870 express shotgun for about 2 years and only use it about two times per season, (exclusively for Dove/Quail/Skeet). This weekend I went quail hunting and went through about 2 boxes of shells and as usual my arm is sore.

For those of you that have used a variety of different shotguns how does the recoil of the 870 compare to more expensive models? Say the Remington 1100, or a Berretta over/under.

Just deciding if its worth it to upgrade based solely on the decision that the more expensive models are ?smoother? to shoot.

thanks

 

[edro]

My dad has 4 870s (one he got when he was 13), and he also has had multiple 1100s over the years. I don't shoot them enough to remember a difference between the recoils. I personally wouldn't upgrade. The 870 is an awesome rifle. You could always go with another butt plate...

 

[xochi]

thanks, i am also considering getting the 20 gauge 870 model to mix it up.

 

[OutHouse]

I have my Dads 870 Police shotgun. it does have a bad kick and i really dont enjoy shotting it. I have a padded butt plate on it but it doesnt help much.

 

[desy]

A 20 will definately recoil less.
You can also use the 2 3/4 loads instead of the 3" mags you may have been using?
Also the more shot in it the more recoil IE 1 oz of shot has less recoil than 1 1/4 oz
The 1100 will make it more of a push than a punch cause some of the gas is vented back to eject and load the shells softening felt recoil.
The 870 is pretty good, 12 gauge is a known kicker. . .

 

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: desy
A 20 will definately recoil less.
You can also use the 2 3/4 loads instead of the 3" mags you may have been using?
Also the more shot in it the more recoil IE 1 oz of shot has less recoil than 1 1/4 oz
The 1100 will make it more of a push than a punch cause some of the gas is vented back to eject and load the shells softening felt recoil.
The 870 is pretty good, 12 gauge is a known kicker. . .

Agreed - your ammo could be as much to blame as the gun. Plus, how are you holding it? I've shot dozens of times a day without having a sore shoulder.

Wait a second - I just re-read your original post. Your "arm is sore" - you're holding the gun wrong.

 

[Analog]

the autos will have less recoil due to gas feedback. I don't think it will matter that much though.

 

[cloude27]

The 12 gauge 870 is the first shotgun I ever owned. I never consider to had anymore kick than any other 12 guage.

 

[cipher00]

Yeah, the ammo matters more than the gauge. You could lighten up the charge a bit. FWIW.

 

[KC5AV]

I used to have an 1100, and the recoil was almost non-existant. If you can find one for a good price, I'd say go for it.

 

[xochi]

Originally posted by: DrPizza

Originally posted by: desy
A 20 will definately recoil less.
You can also use the 2 3/4 loads instead of the 3" mags you may have been using?
Also the more shot in it the more recoil IE 1 oz of shot has less recoil than 1 1/4 oz
The 1100 will make it more of a push than a punch cause some of the gas is vented back to eject and load the shells softening felt recoil.
The 870 is pretty good, 12 gauge is a known kicker. . .

Agreed - your ammo could be as much to blame as the gun. Plus, how are you holding it? I've shot dozens of times a day without having a sore shoulder.

Wait a second - I just re-read your original post. Your "arm is sore" - you're holding the gun wrong.

i use the remington heavy quail load which is 2 3/4. no whitewings were flying so i swichted to quail hunting in the hayfields.

I was hunting without a dog, so when quail started flying without notice i quickly snapped the gun into position and that usually meant the butt resting on my upper arm rather than the proper position.

one last question, having never shot an "expensive shotgun" what makes them better?

 

[elektrolokomotive]

STFU and take it like a man! Or just get a .410

 

[desy]

OK heres some schoolin. . . Chucks answers. . .

"The single most important thing about any shotgun is that it fit the user. The same is true of rifles, but it is dramatically more important with a shotgun. This is because the buttstock positions the eye in relation to the barrel, and this relationship between the shooter's eye and the barrel is how the shotgun is pointed at the target. There is no rear sight on a shotgun so the stock must position the shooter's eye in the right place, every time the gun is mounted, or a miss will be the result.

The stock also has a lot to do with how the shooter perceives the recoil of the gun, which is considerable with most gauges and loads. The effects of recoil are cumulative, and shooters tend to shoot a shotgun many more times in a day on the practice field that they would a rifle at the range. So again, stock fit is paramount."

 

[JDMnAR1]

Couple of things:

You can't really compare the recoil of an 870 to an 1100 - it is an "apples and oranges" comparison. Any semi-automatic shotgun is going to have less perceived recoil than a pump action shotgun, all other things being equal. However, you can make a somewhat valid comparison of a pump to a over/under (or single shot, etc). Assuming that there are no other design differences (like Benelli's new recoil reducing stock), the perceived recoil should be roughly equivalent - again using the exact same loads.

Some things you can do to reduce felt recoil:

Ensure proper fitment of the gun, and proper mounting to shooting position
Use an aftermarket recoil pad
Add a mechanical recoil reducer
Have your barrel ported
Shoot a lighter load

 

[TheNinja]

The "kick" will be comprable to any other 12 gauge pump. When shooting skeet, use a little load 7/8 oz #8 shot. When hunting you won't shoot too many shells anyway, typically at least. But, I can shoot over 150 rounds and not even think twice about it!!! I guess you are just a wimp and definitely do not have real ultimate power.